Vehicle body



July 19, 1932.

c. T. WEYMANN VEHICLE BODY Filed Dec. 20. 1927 6 Sheets-Sheet l July 19, 1932. T, EYM N 1,868,263

VEHICLE BODY Filed Dec. 20, 1927 s Sheets-Sheet 2 conooooooomonooooooopjogo :00

' July 19,1932.

C. T. WEYMANN VEHICLE BODY July 19, 1932. c. T. WEYMANN 1,868,263

VEHICLE BODY Filed Dec. 20, 1927 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 19, 1932. c. T- WEYMANN VEHICLE BODY Filed Dec. 20. 1927 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 f July 19, 1932. T, WEYMANN 1,868,263

VEHICLE BODY Filed Dec. 1927 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 19 a a I c o o i 52 g 9 22 s s Q I 9 0 I 9 I k e 57 w o o o a Q Q If 0 5 91 0 8Q 57 5 H s 7 m I v s e 42 a F a .24

e 9 e e 40 @M, MM OLw /WIQMJ Q Patented July 19, 1932 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 CHARLES TERRES VIEYMANN, F PARIS,

FRANCE, ASSIGNOR, BY uEsNE fission.

MENTS, TC- WEYMANN MOTOR BODIES,'INC., 0F WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, .A COB- PORATION OF DELAWARE VEHICLE BODY Application filed December 20, 1927. Serial N'o. 241,416.

' My invention relates generally to vehicle bodies and more particularly to bodies of theWVeymann type, which are adapted to weave, warp; or flex in harmony or synchro- 5 nism with thechassis frame without danger of permanent distortion. In'general, the

VVeymann type of body comprises a flexible skeleton frame covered with leather, fabric or the like, as exemplified in my U. S. Letters Patent, No. 1,519,093 granted December One of the main objects of my invention; is to provide a novel rear end construction for'vehicle bodies of the Weymann type.

A further object of my invention is to mount a cross member or panel, carrying an instrument or instruments, on a flexible frame unit of the body in such a way that the panel does not interfere with or resist the weaving or warping action of the flexible frame unit. For example, the panel, supporting the window-lift "operating device and door handle, is pivotally mounted on metal plates secured to the side members of the flexible frame of the door which flexes or weaves with the body as a whole.

Another object of my invention is to provide a fiexiblepartition to divide the body into compartments, such as a chaufleur compartment and a tonneau compartment, and; so secure the partition in place that it will;

not interfere with the weaving or warpin action of the body. Still another object of my invention is to providemeans for causing the doors to weave or flex laterally in, unison with the main skeleton frame of the body, under all conditions, to avoid excessive lateral movement of the freecorners of the doors relative to 40 the main body frame, and thus eliminate noise and wear which might otherwise occur. An additional object of my invention is to provide novel forms of flexible brackets of the'Weymann type for connecting to- 'gether parts of the skeleton frame of the body..

ith the above and incidental objects in view, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction and combination of parts, the essential elements of which are recited in the appended claims and preferred and modified forms ofembodiment of which are described in detail hereinafter and illustratedin full in the accompanyingrdrawings, which form'part of this specification. w

In said drawings: a r Fig. 1 'isa perspective viewof .a bod skeleton, illustrating oneform of embodi ment of my invention; a 1

Fig. 1A is an enlargedfragmentary sectionthrough the rear top bow, as on-the line 1A 1A of Fig. 1; Lw

Figs. 2, 3, and 1 are :front. elevations ,of the front, intermediate and .rearivertical transverse frame units, respectively, :of. the body shown in Fig.1; f i I Fig. 4A isia fragmentary side view i-llus tratingthe form ofibracketfor connecting the. vertical transverse frame units ;to the upper spacing pieces; a r

Fig. 5'is an enlarged horizontal ,section through one of the door frames, as on the line 55 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 5A is a rear end elevationof one of tihe doors, taken as on the line 5 A 5A of its- Q j.

Figs. 6 and 7, respectively, are enlarged inside and outside elevations of theskeleton frame for the right-hand front door;

Fig. 8 is an enlargedplanview of part of the skeleton frame of one of the doors; Fig. 9 is a. perspective. view of the rein forced bottom cross piece of'one of the transverse vertical frame units; n

Fig. 10 is a perspective View of a partie tion for dividing a body into, compartments;

Fig. 11 is a vertical perspective section taken through a cabinet on the partition, as on the line 11-11 of Fig-10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary side view illustrating the brackets for connecting parts of the rear end structure to therear transverse vertical frameunit; 7 I l I Fig. 13 is a top plan viewof the parts shown in Fig. 12, the vertical post being shown in section; j' 5 f A r Fig. 14 isa perspective view of a modified form of body skeleton, embodying myQinvention, and, y f

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspectiveview. of 100 they donot contact.

the rear part of the body of Fig. 14 and shows its rear top part in upright or non-collapsed position.

. Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, it will be seen that the skeleton frame of the body generally "comprises vertical transverse frame units (the front, intermediate and rear units being designated generally by the reference numerals 1G, 17 and 18, respectively), connectedtogether by top longitudinal spacing pieces 19 and bottom longitudinal spacing pieces 20, and a rear end or tonneau structure consisting of a plurality of horizontal frame units and members and vertical con; necting pieces as will be described in detail later. Each of the transverse vertical frame units '16, 17 and 18comprises a bottomcross bar 25, vertical posts26 and ajtopycross bow 27,the parts being connected :together by the well 'known Weymann form ,of flexible surface against which the metal strip proper- 1y bears. I

' =Re -ferringfto Figs. 1 and't, it will be ob served that the posts of the rear frameunit 18 comprise tv'vo pieces'26 and 26, the low er part 26 being curved'to conform to the curvature of the rear fender (not shown) while the upper part 26 is vertical, the two parts :being connected together 'by' an improved form offbracket 30 (Figs. 1 and-12)" which will be described more fully hereinfi r I 7 As isfwell understood," the bottom bars or pieces *ofthe frame units 16,17 and 18 are adapted to be secured to'the side sills ofthe chassis'fr'ame of the automobile." Inasmuch as these bars 25 extend laterallya considerable distance beyond the "side sills and are formed of comparatively thin wood, their ends are apt to'sa'g and in order to prevent thisaction, thin metal plates 31 are-fastened by bolts or otherwise to the opposite sides ofthe cross "bars '25, as shown in Fig. 9.

The ends of the bottom longitudinal pieces 20-, which space the lowerends of the transverse frame units-16,17 and '18 apart, are connected to thelower ends of the frame the usual Weymann fjoints.' The top.longitudinal spacing pieces 19 are flex ibly connected at their ends to thejt'ransverse vertical frame units'1'6, 17 and18 by means of brackets 33, best shown in Figs. 8, 4 and the posts 26 and top bows 27 together) and Y are secured to the top bows by the bolts, screws or rivets projecting through the holes in the upper part to the brackets 28. The brackets 33 have laterally extending projections 34 to which the pieces 19 aresecu red bymeans of rivets or'bolts 35, as illustrated in Fig. 4A.

Referring now to Fig. 1, it will be observed that the top horizontal frame unit '22, of the rear .body or tonneau structure, is in the form ofa'bow, having its forward ends attached by Weymann brackets to the vertical posts 18. The bow may be formed of one piece, bent to conform tothe desired U-shape, or it may be formed of several pieces connected together by Weymann joints. horizontal frame unit '23 issimilarly formed and shaped and its forwardendsareconnected to projection ofthe bracket'30 (Figs. 1, 12 and 13.). For lack of a better term, I use the phrase tonneau structure to mean the part of the rear end enclosing: th sides and back of the rear seat.

Interposed between the rear cross bars-of the two .horizontal'frame units 22 and- 23 are corner pieces 36 and aplurality of short pieces 36, which are in vertical superimposed alignment with longer corner-posts 37-" -and pieces 37. As shown in Fig. 1 the. corner pieces '36 and posts 37 are connected to-t-he bows 22 and 23 by flexible joints 38;of peculiar construction, the horizontal frame units22 and 23 shown in thisview being formedin three pieces and thebracket-38 beingadap'ted to secure theends of tlie'pieces togethert-and in spaced relation. It is understood-that, as is usual in the Weymann type of bodyathe arious bars and pieces, forming theskeleton frame of the body do not contact-with each other at their points ofconnection, slightfgaps being provided between the ends o-f'the pieces;

These gaps may be'filled with flexiblermm terial, such as rubber or felt. The thinner pieces 36 and 37 are connected to the'bows 22 and 23 by'plain straight strips of m'etal The 39. The bottom transverse 'b'a'r 24 ijs in li ke :1.

manner connected to the lower ends o'fithe pieces 37 and it is connected at its ends by L-shaped brackets to the: posts 37. LThe lower ends of the posts37 arealso connected,

to curved pieces 40 which at their forward ends are secured to the bottom bar 25 'ofthe rear transverse frame 18. Arcuate pieces 42,

one'on each side, are connected at their-' forward; ends to portions of the b'r'a'cketsiBO and at their rear ends to the posts 37 In order to connect the rear end structure to the upper 'partof therear transverse vertical frame 18,",Iprovideinclined bars' 43, preferably formed of channel'ironand' having slightly flexible 'end lip's44 adapted-to lie flat against the rear sides of vertical posts 26 and theupper side of the horizontal bow 22. These l1ps are secured to the posts and the horizontal bow 22 by means of screws or bolts extending through the lips 44. In order to permit proper relative movement between the bars 43 and the posts 26 and the horizontal unit 22 when the body weaves, I preferably interpose pieces of rubber 41 between the lips 44 and the posts and bow.

A rear top bow 46 is provided to give the proper contour to the rear end of the top and the upper portion of the back of the body. The ends of the bow 46 are seated in the channels of the members 43 and are held in position therein by means of bolts or pegs 47 extending through the ends of the bows and the sides of the channel members 43. Mounted between the transverse portions of the bows 22 and 46 is a window frame47 which is connected to the bows by means of Weymann joints 48. It will be understood that the rear portion of the body frame is covered with leather, water-proof fabric or the like. Such a covering 50 is shown broken away in Fig. 1. The top bows 27 of the transverse vertical frame 16, 17 and 18 have recesses 27 in which are mounted spaced longitudinally extending W strips 27 (parts of only two of which are shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1) over which the top fabric 51 is stretched. Only a small portion of the top fabric is shown in Fig. 1. a The bow 46 is provided with a groove 52 (Fig. 1A) in which the meeting ed es of the fabrics 50 and 51 are secured an covered by a suitable beading 53.

The front and rear doors are of slightly different size and contour, but their construction is substantially the same so that a description of one of the front doors will suffice for all of them. Referring to Figs. 6, 7, and 8, which illustrate the construction of the right-hand front door, it will be observed thatthe door frame comprises a rectangular frame having a bottom piece 54, vertical pieces 55 and spaced apart top pieces 56 (Fig. 8). The lower ends of the vertical pieces 55 Weymann joints. The two top pieces 56 are spaced apart to permit the upperedge of the window glass 63 to pass between them as shown in Fig. 8, the vertical pieces 55 have grooves in which the vertical edges of the window glass slide. The upper ends of the vertical pieces 55 are reduced in thickness to accommodate the ends of the pieces 56, and because of lightness of the parts I connect them together by means of bolts, screws or rivets 58. I also preferably provide thin metal strips 56 on the facing sides of the pieces 56 to add strength to the top of the door, without, however, impairing its flexibility. Rubber or other soft material may 65 be used between the ends of the pieces 55 the event the door becomes permanently disare connected to the piece 54 by the usual and pieces 56 and 56 to prevent noise. The vertical pieces 55 at their central portions a are connected by Weymann joints to the ends of thin cross pieces 57 (preferably three 7 in number), positioned to the inside of the window glass. An adjustablewire 59 is connected to the forward vertical piece 55 and the bottom piece 54 in order to bring the door frame back into its exact rectilinear shape in a torted due, for example, to the weight of a person to which it maybe'improperly subjected. Normally, however, the wire 59 isintended to be somewhat slack. I Supported on the door frame-is across" 3 panel or member 60 (Figs-5 and 6) which is preferably quite rigid in itself in order to carry an inside door handle62 and an operating device 61 for the window lift mecha-' nism. In order to mount this panel'on the door, so that it will not interfere withthe desirable weaving or warping actionfof the door, I provide two metal plates 64 which are countersunk into the vertical pieces'55 and have triangular shaped extending ends provided withpivot bolts 65 which extend" l through holes in the panel '60 so that the latter is pivotally mounted on the door and out of contact with the wooden pieces of'th'e door frame. Flexible washers 65 (Fig.5) pref erably formed of rubber are interposed be 7 tween the panel and the nuts on the bolts 65 which have a loose fit in the holes in the panel. It will be understood that the upper edge of the interior lining or cover (not shown) of the door may be connected to the panel 60. p j As is usual in W'eymann bodies, the door is mounted at one side of two hinges 67 (Fig. ,1) and the other side of the doo-r is 1 1 provided with a lock 67*, such asthat shown in my U. S. Patent No. 1,561,129, granted November 10, 1925, for permittinga pivotal I movement. It will thus be seen thatfthe'dojor, when closed, is supported at three points and that in some cases when the body weaves one s of the free corners ofthe door may have more I 1 or less lateral movement relative tothead-; f

jacent vertical post 26 which would res tn" a slapping noise and wear and tear on {the parts as well as permanent distortion. Take,. 1.

for example, the rear left hand 'door:shown in Fig. 1, it will be seen that when therearf transverse vertical frame unit 18 flexes to wards the right and relative to the intermediate frame unit 17, the upper end ofthe post 26 would, unless. otherwise prevented, draw awayfrom the'upper free corneroff. the door, and then when the frame 18 resumed its normal condition theupper free end of the door would closecausing anoise and. wear. To prevent this action,;Iprovide projections on the posts 26 for engaging the inner sides of the rear edges of the doors. 1

12 and 131 v eeh presses? 3?? foreach rear door asbeing in the form of a metaluplate 7O which'also" serves as 'a joint betweennthe-pieces 26* and 26. The inner side/of wtheftoppof thedoor engages, a strip TI (Figsvl and 6A) secured to the adjacent piece-419.13 With thisconstruction, :it will be evident that when the. transverse frame 18 weaves, the rear-doors are caused to-fiex in unisontwith-it. Plates similarto the plates -70 may be yusedin connection with the front doors-g-for. the same purpose.

It is, of course, highly desirable that the outer sideszof freeedge. portions of the doors fiostsof the body-toavoid gaps at the corners of the; door;and to insure engagement of the inner sidesof the-doors withthe strips 71,

platesJIO andthe bottomspacing members 20. Thehodyiframe anddoors are formed. of thin piecesiof-wood whichare apt to warp after beinggcutmndlwhich may not be accurately joined together. in assembly, either of which mayhresult in free. edges of the doorsbeing .outrofexact alignment with theiadjacent. body..posts.ia. In .order .to correct anysuch V defect.. which may existfwhen the frame and dooi-shzive been assembled, and also to prevent. the; doors from becoming sprung or warped out of shapein usage, I attach to the rear-1 edge. of each door a thin strip of an:

nealed's'teel 72' (Figs. 5 and 5A). The strips areprovided' with nail holes before they are annealed; If one of the corners of a door is sprung either inwardly or outwardly so that it'he door is. not in proper alignment, the rear piec'er55 .of the door is bent to bring it to proper alignment and while in such bent posi tion. the annealed strip is nailed to the rear edge,, thereby retaining the rear portion of *the door in its snugly closing position. The stripsare initially formed so that their contour is the same as, that intended for the rear edgepf the door .but inca'se the rear piece of adoorhas'to be bent in order to get the xqproper' fit,"the strip 7 2, if attached to the rear edge of thedoor .without treatment'might ex- I tend laterally beyond the door and it would also lin terfere with'the tacking space beside it for thefinishing cover for the door. The

attained."

;Fig'. 10 illustrates one form of partition adapted to'divide the body into c0mpartmentsfsuch as the front seat or chauffeur compartmentand; the passenger or tonneau compartment, thus' 'insuring privacy for the oc- .;4gg1 pantsof the'crear seat. If desired, this form of compartment can be used 1n a body of the generaltype Sl10-WI1:II'1- Fig. 1. -InFig;

10, I have shown only the upper; parts of the.

spaced. pieces 96 between the posts 94;, and spacing pieces .97 between the posts 26 and the posts 941. V The parts on each side are connected together by the thin stripsv of metal 98. The lower ends of the posts 94ers con-f nected to the floor or to a crossbar of the p I body-frame by means of the VVeymannzjoirits be flush with the outer sides ,ofthe achacent 99 r Thefacing edges the posts 94 are p j 'gb I vided: with channelslOO in, which a window (not shown) is adaptedto slide,the pieces 96 being spaced apart to accommodate the winl by the pieces 97.and the posts .94 and-26,f if desired. The lower portion of the partition is preferably coveredby a flexible covering (not-shown).-

Compartments 101 may be provided in the bottom ofthe' partition as shown in Fig. 10. The boards 101 and 101" forming the top and adjacent sides of the compartments, may

compartments may be connected together by be connected together and to the posts 94 and floor by IVeymann-joints 102 andth'etwo doors (not shown) may beemployed' for closjing-the compartments, which are used for I the storage of tools or other'articles.

It will be understood that with the; formof'f 1 partition shown in Fig. 10,that.the1.bac'k.of

the-front seat will be positioned against'thef transverse portion of the partition and be-- tween its converging orinclined sides. The

sides converge to permit more readyin'gress frames, in whichcase the pieces 97 are dispensed with.

In Figs. 10 and 11, I have illustrated a suitable cabinet 75 for toilet articles, ash trays I 1 or other articles, thecabinet 'being mounted on a panel 7 6 supported at its end'son pivot 77 carried by plates '7 8 which are secured-tom the posts .94 and are: similar 'to-the-plates 64 for carrying the door panels '60; Thus, the

cabinet is carried on the partition without interfering. with the weaving or warpingac- If the partition is not tion of the latter.

employed in the body, the panel 76 may be" I secured in a likemanner' to the vertical posts 26 ofone of the transverse vertical'frames,

for example, the intermediate frame 17 of the body shown in Fig. '1. Strips offfabrio 77 or the like are preferably interposed be tween the panel 76 and the back of the cabinet to prevent any noise which would result should the parts become loose' andrub agalnst parts. i i

The modified form of body shown in Figs. 14 and is quite similar tothat shown in Fig. 1, except for the style of body." Figs.

each other. The top of the panel is provided with a groove into which a trim strip 7 9 is fitted and a strip of fabric 81', impregnated with glue, is interposed between thesetwo 14 and 15 show a so-called two door body, having a collapsible rear top-portion. It is not thought necessary to describe the specific parts of the skeleton frame and doors as their construction will be evident from Figs; 14

and 15 in view of the foregoing description,

particularly as like reference numerals have been applied to the parts corresponding to those of the body shown in Fig. 1. Referring to the collapsible rear top portion, it will be observed that the main bow 83 is pivoted at its ends to brackets 84 secured to the horizontal rear bow 22 of the rear end or tonneau structure. Links 85 are connected at their lower ends (considering Fig. 15) to thesame pivots and at their upper ends to pivot devices 86secured to a movable bow 87. Toggle links 93 are connected at their, upper forwardends to the pivots 86 and at their rear ends to pivots 87 fixed on the horizontal frame unit 22., It will be under stood, of course, that over the bows 8.3 and 87, is stretched the usual flexible covering which is secured at its lower edge'all around the horizontal frame unit 22/ When the rear top portion is down or collapsed. thepartsare in the position illustrated in Fig. 14. When it is to be extended, the bow '87 is moved to the position shownin Fig. 15, and the toggle links 93 straighten out and aid in keeping the bow 87 in such a position flat against the wing nut 92 is removed to show zthe recess in the plate 90.'

While I have shown variousfeatures' of my invention applied to'but twost'yle's of bodies, it will be evident that 'they are adapted for use in other styles of bodies and that various modifications may be made in or spirit of. my invention following claims.

'skeleton I frames and means for flexibly connecting" the same without departing ,from the scope as' defined in the Iclaim: 3

V 1. In a road motor vehicle body, adapted to weave with the chassis frame, a forward comprising transverse vertical said frames together, a tonneau structure comprising a frame "of" flexibly connected pieces with an upper horizontal U-shaped frame unit, means for flexibly connectin said tonneau structure to said forward ske eton, and a flexible covering around said skeleton frame andtonneau structure, and additional means supported by said upper frame unit for giving shape and support to said covering to shape the rearupper end of said body.

2. In a roadmotor vehicle body, adapted to weave wit-h thechassisframe, a forwardv skeleton comprising transverse vertical frames, spacing pieces betweensaid frames andflexiblejoints connecting said spacing pieces-and frames, a tonneau structure comprising askeleton of flexibly connected pieces with a horizontalU-shaped frame unit upper most and connected to a mid-part of the.

rearmost of said transverse vertical frames,

flexible joints for connecting said tonneau structure to the rearmost of said transverse vertical frames, and a flexible covering around the forward skeleton and tonneau structure. j a I 3. In aroad motor vehicle body, adapted to weave with the chassis frame, a forward skeleton comprising" transverse vertical frames and means for flexibly connecting said frames together,a tonneau structure comprising askeletonof flexibly conncted pieces with an upper horizontal U-shaped frame unit, means for flexibly connecting said tonneau structure to said forward skeleton, a

flexible covering around said forward skeleton and tonneau structure, and inclined pieces connecting said upper horizontal frame unit to the upper portion of the'rear vertical transverse frame. i A

4. In a roadmotor vehicle body, adapted to weave with the chassis frame, a forward skeleton comprlslng transverse vertical frames and means for fiexiblycconnecting said frames together, a tonneau structure comprising a skeleton offlexibly connected pieces with an upper, horizontal U-shaped frame unit, means for flexibly connecting;

said tonneau structure to said forward skeleton, a flexible covering around saidhskeleton frame and tonneau structure, inclin'edpieces connecting said upper horizontal frame unit tothe upper portion of the reartransver se.

vertical frame, and an inclined rear top bow carried said inclined pieces; I 5. :In' a road motor vehicle body, adapted to weave with the chassis frame a; forward skeleton comprising transverse vertical frames and means for flexibly connecting said frames together, a tonneau structure comprising a" skeleton of "flexibly connected pieces with an 1 upper, horizontal "U-sha'ped frame unit, means for flexibly connecting said tonneau structure to said forward skeleton, a flexible covering around said forward skeleton and tonneau structure, andan inclined bar at each side-,the ends of the bar being connected flexibly to the rear transverse j vertical frame and saidupper-horizontal a'shapefd frame. s

6. In a road motor vehicle bod y, adapted tolwveave with the chassis frame, a forward skeleton compris ng transverse vertical 7 frames "and means for flexibly connecting ton a flexible'covering aroundsa-id forward 'f-s"kel'e'ton and tonneau structure, and an ,in-

clined'channeled-shaped bar at each side con- ,and horizontal frame unit, and a rear top bow having its ends seated in the channels of said'inclined bars. 7 a v '7. In -a road motor vehicle body, adapted tov weave withthe chassis frame, a forward skeleton comprising transverse vertical frames and means for flexibly connecting .said frames, together, a tonneau structure comprising a skeleton of flexibly connected pieces with an upper, horizontal frame unit, "means forfflexibly connecting saidtonneau structure to said forward skeleton, 'a flexible covering around said forward skeleton and "tonneau structure,inclined pieces connecting "saidupper horizontal frame unit to the upper portion .of the rear transverse vertical frame, an inclined rear top bow carried by said in- 'c'lin'ed pieces and a window frame flexibly *fconnected to said inclined rear top bow and said upper horizontal frame unit.

8. In a road motor vehicle body adapted to weave with the chassis frame, the'combination of transverse vertical frames, each comrising vertical posts and a top bow, means orconnecting the tops of the posts and ends of the bows together, said means comprising V flat strips of metal with bolts extending through holes in the strips and bows, 'longi ""tudinal spacing pieces between the upper ends "of the frames, and bracket formed of strips of metal provided with lateral projectionsforconnection to the longitudinal spacpieces, said last mentioned brackets being superimposed'upon portions of said first-mentioned strips and being "held in place thereon by certain of said bolts.

9. A road-motor vehicle body comprising a skeleton frame formed of'longi'tudinal and "verti'calipieces'some of which are spaced to provide aid'o'or opening, said pieces being covered with :a'flexible covering and adapted to weave orflex with the chassis frame, a

f iflexible door mounted in said openingso 'as to weave or flex W'l'ththQ'SkQlBt-OII, an instru- ,pivotally mounting said panel on said door 7 sons notto interfere with the flexing of the latter. 7 v

1 0. I'n a roadvmotor vehicle body, adapted .nwto fiex the chassisframe, the combina- .frame unit, vmeans for flexibly connecting ,saidtonneau structure tosaid forward skeleinected to the rear transverse vertical frame.

ment supporting panel, and means for t'ion of a flexible frame, having a doorope,n

ing, the door positioned in said opening and the other or free side of the door, andmean on the frame and contacting with theffre side of the door to vcause the latter side Of the door to flex laterally in unison withithe lateral flexing ofthebody. l 11. In 'a road motor vehicle body,adapted to flex with the chassis frame and com-prising" a fabric-covered flexible skeleton,;-andja partitionunit withinthe bodytodividethe' latter intocompartments and comprising :a frame formed of pieces and flexible jointsfor con meeting the pieces together and tothe skeleton so that thep'artition is adapted to flex and does not interfere with the weaving action of theskeleton. I

12. In a road motor vehicle body adapted to flex with "the chassis frame and-comprising a fabric-covered skeleton formed ofa plurality 1 of flexible transverse vertical frames connected together, a partition unit for dividing the body into compartments anti "comprising vertical posts, pieces connecting the posts together,and converging sides, and means for'flexibly connecting the partsof the partition together and for; flexibly connecting the partition toone of'the transversag vertical frames.

13. In a road motor vehicle b.ody,adapted to weave with the chassis frame, a forward skeleton, comprising transverse vertical frames and separate means for connecting;- said transverse vertical frames to each other and to said chassis frame to perm-it said frames to move relative to'each other,i-:a tonneau skeleton structure comprising substantially parallel horizontal superimposed frames the upper of which extends rearwardly from 'a mid part of the adjacent of said transverse vertical frames, means for flexibly connecting said horizontal frames together,

means for flexibly connecting said tonneau vstructure to said adjacent transverse vertical frame, a flexible covering for the forward skeleton and tonneau skeleton structure, such" tonneau including another andseparate memberfor supporting and giving shape to said; covering to give shape to the rear upper .end of said-body. r 9 g .14. A road motor vehicle bodyyadapted t0 flex or Weave with the chassis frame, comprising a plurality of frame units one at leastg of which is adaptedto flex or distort within itself according to the bodyflexingiand weaving, an instrument supporting panel and means for pivotally supporting the panel on said frame unit .so that the panel does note3 interfere with the flexing of the one frame unit or the body as iacwhole. s

15. road motor vehiclebody,adapted to weave withthe chassis frame, comprising a pluralityot frame unitsone of whichis ofm rectangular shape adapted to flex or distort Within itself, an instrument supporting panel, metal plates on the side pieces of said one frame unit, and pivot means for pivotally mounting said panel on said plates so that said panel does not interfere with the flexing of said one frame unit in the body as a whole.

16. A road motor vehicle body adapted to flex with the chassis frame, comprising a skeleton covered with a flexible covering and including a plurality of frame units, one of said frame units comprising a flexible frame adapted to flex with the other frame units, said one frame unit being adapted to support a window, a panel adapted to support window operating means, and means for pivotally mounting said panel on the inside of said one frame unit so that the panel does not interfere with the flexing of said one frame unit and the body as a whole.

17 In a road motor vehicle body, adapted to flex with a chassis frame, the combination of a flexible skeleton consisting of a plurality of frame units some of which are adapted for swinging movement relative to others for entry to and exit from the body, said swing ing frame units being adapted to flex and Weave with the skeleton, and a metal strip secured to the free edge of the swinging frame a to maintain the shape of that edge and its alignment with the adjacent frame unit.

18. In a road motor vehicle body, adapted to flex with the chassis frame, the combination of a flexible skeleton adapted to flex with the chassis frame and formed of a plurality of frame units which are adapted to form a door opening, a door secured by hinges to one of said frame units, a lock means between the other of said frame units and the door for permitting a flexing movement between said door and frame units, and a thin annealed steel strip secured to the free edge of said frame, at the opening, to hold it in proper alignment.

In testimony whereof, I have subscribed my name.

CHARLES TERRES WEYMANN. 

